(and Sometimes Your Nemesis)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n No one warned me about the terrifying welding sound the subway makes between certain stops. The first time I heard it, I thought the train was breaking apart. But don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s normal (just very loud). And eventually, you get used to it as it\u2019s still one of the easiest ways to get around the city. You definitely need to have a PRESTO card and U of T students sometimes qualify for discounted passes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n But You Don\u2019t Have to Do It All<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Growing up in small towns meant that we only had the occasional events, maybe once a month. But in Toronto, there\u2019s something big happening every day. Whether that\u2019s a big concert at Rogers Centre, a food festival at Nathan Phillips Square, or a vintage market at St. Lawrence Market, there\u2019s never a shortage of things to do. In the midst of wanting to ensure you make the most of your time in Toronto, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019re missing out when you don\u2019t say yes to things, but I\u2019ve learned it\u2019s okay to skip things and recharge. Pick the things that truly excite and resonate with you!<\/p>\n\n\n But There Are Ways to Make it Work<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, because there\u2019s so much to do, it\u2019s easy to get caught up and spend more than you planned. I quickly had to learn the importance of budgeting and living within my means, which for me meant keeping track of my spending, setting limits, and finding free or low-cost alternatives. The city has tons of free events, student discounts, and community programming if you know where to look!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n You\u2019re Not Alone<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n U of T is a massive school, and sometimes I felt everyone already had their own core group of friends. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the fast-paced city life and thought I\u2019d be able to find community right away, but it took time. And I\u2019ve learned that\u2019s completely normal! I found that joining student clubs, saying yes to small invites, or even chatting with someone in a cafeteria or class helped me slowly build my confidence and connections. But ultimately, remember to be patient with yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Final thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n U of T and the City of Toronto is so diverse and full of opportunity, but it can also be overwhelming if you\u2019ve never been or lived in a large city. So don\u2019t be discouraged if it takes a while to adjust because the more you explore, the more it starts to feel like your city too and soon enough you\u2019ll create your version of \u201chome\u201d in Toronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Bolu \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffe<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_8399-scaled.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n2. There\u2019s Always Something Going On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3. Toronto is Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4. Finding Your People Takes Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n